Emily Hodnett and Scotty Wilson
the venue. All Saints Church Crestline & Westover Hills Town Hall
the photos. Sarah Kate, Photographer
Town Hall Debut
The couple transformed Westover Hills Town Hall into a garden party with lush florals, soft lighting, and open doors for a breezy, romantic vibe. “The space had never hosted a wedding before, so we had the exciting opportunity to make it completely our own,” Emily said. “Texas weather is unpredictable, but we had a cool, blue-skied night, which was perfect!”
Golf-Themed Groom’s Cake
The groom’s cake, a golf-themed creation from Berry Good Bakery owned by Emily’s friend, paired with popular cake balls, stole the show. “The cake balls were a huge hit, and knowing they were made with so much love made them even sweeter,” she said.
Coordinated Fabric Accents
The bride’s vision for Schumacher’s “Floreana” fabric shone in save-the-dates from PS The Letter in Fort Worth, incorporated into reception decor. “From there, we were able to coordinate the fabric throughout pieces at the wedding reception,” she said.
The Love Story
Scotty and I both moved to Dallas after college, though a few years apart. We were out in Dallas and met, and it turns out we had a few mutual friends. We started dating in 2021 and got engaged at the end of 2023!
The Proposal
While on a family trip to Carmel, California, with Scotty’s family, I thought we were just tagging along for their family photos—definitely not expecting to be part of them. But as we walked along the beach, the casual photo op turned into the most incredible surprise: Scotty proposed! I had no idea it was coming. Just when I thought the night couldn’t get any better, my own family surprised me by showing up at The Lodge at Pebble Beach for a celebratory lunch I’ll never forget. We’d actually been at a friend’s wedding just a few days before leaving for California, and I later found out Scotty couldn’t keep the secret to himself and told all my friends his plan!!
The Wedding Venue
We always knew we wanted to have a church ceremony, and choosing my family’s church, All Saints on Crestline, felt like the perfect fit. It’s just down the street from my parents’ home. We had a beautiful, traditional service there before heading to the reception. For the reception, I was looking for something unique within Fort Worth; somewhere that felt personal and a little unexpected. My grandparents live in Westover Hills, and I’ve driven past Westover Town Hall for as long as I can remember. I’d always admired the building’s charm, but it wasn’t until I started venue hunting that I realized how special it could be. Westover Town Hall had never hosted a wedding before, so I had the absolute best time transforming it into my perfect vision.
The Vibe
Our goal was to create a wedding that felt like a chic garden party. Elegant but intimate and relaxed, and a little bit whimsical. We had soft florals, lots of greenery, and little details that just brought the whole vision to life.
The Photography
We were lucky to work with Sara Kate Photography, and they truly went above and beyond. From the very beginning, they made us feel completely at ease and somehow turned long photo sessions into such a fun part of the day. They captured every moment so beautifully, and we genuinely loved every single photo. They caught all the big and small moments throughout the day.
The Dress
I found my dress at Neiman Marcus—I knew I wanted something that felt truly bridal, with an elegant and romantic feel, much inspired by Grace Kelly’s wedding dress in the 50s. The lace, long sleeves, and high neck were a must for me from the very beginning. When I tried on the Sareh Nouri gown, I loved it. It was the first day the dress was out on the showroom floor, which felt meant to be. Classic, graceful, and exactly what I had envisioned for my wedding day.
The Accessories
I was gifted a pair of blue earrings by my parents from Kelly Wade Jewelers in San Antonio. It was the perfect small touch for my something blue! My something borrowed was a pearl ring that belonged to my mother. Ever heard of wearing a penny in your shoe on your wedding day? I also had a penny in my left shoe for good luck and prosperity!
The Bridesmaids
I wanted my bridesmaids to feel comfortable and, most importantly, like the dress they were wearing. We used My Wedding Wardrobe to source over 200 dresses that fit within my vision, and each bridesmaid got to pick her own dress, either in a pink or green color or pattern. Everyone looked amazing, and the dresses came together beautifully.
The Groomsmen
The groomsmen rented traditional tuxes from The Black Tux.
The Wedding Rings
I had actually tried on engagement rings a couple of times with friends but did NOT tell Scotty, so I had an idea of what I liked. My aunt designs jewelry, and Scotty went to her and designed my ring on his own, and it was exactly what I had envisioned!!! Our bands are simple, and we picked them out together, which was such a special experience.
The Hair and Makeup
I knew I wanted to look like myself on my wedding day. I’d worked with Ashley McNabb Artistry before, and she knows me and my bridesmaids so well that it was an easy decision. She did an incredible job!
The Stationery
We designed my wedding stationery with P.S. The Letter in Fort Worth. While working at Schumacher for over 3 years, I always had the vision of my favorite fabric “Floreana” being featured on our save-the-date. From there, we were able to coordinate the fabric throughout pieces at the wedding reception.
The Florals
My vision of florals was a party in the garden! Lots of greenery, textures, light pink, and white. I loved the idea of the greenery draping over the bar, booths, and tables.
The Morning Of
The girls got ready at my parents’ house in Fort Worth, which was very sentimental. My mother actually grew up living in this house, so it only felt right to get ready there! With all of my best friends—fun music, delicious food, and so many memories! The boys played a round of golf followed by lunch at River Crest Country Club just down the street from my parents’ house where all of the girls were getting ready.
The Ceremony
We were married at All Saints Church in a traditional service that felt deeply meaningful to both of us. One of the most special parts was having all of our guests join us in taking communion; it created such a powerful sense of unity. Standing at the altar, surrounded by the people we love, we felt so close to God and to each other. It was a moment we’ll carry with us forever.
The Reception
Our reception took place at Westover Town Hall, just a quick five-minute drive from the church, and it couldn’t have been more perfect. The space had never hosted a wedding before, so we had the exciting opportunity to make it completely our own. We embraced the garden party vibe with lush florals, soft lighting, and open doors that let the evening air drift in. Guests mingled over light bites and sipped on our signature cocktails while soaking in the relaxed, romantic atmosphere. Texas weather is unpredictable, but we had a cool, blue-skied night, which was perfect!! One of the highlights of the evening was the music: Big Night Jazz and Blues. And of course, no celebration is complete without dessert: we had an elegant wedding cake from Loft22 and a golf-themed groom’s cake and cake balls from Berry Good Bakery, made by one of my best friends. It all came together in the most magical way.
The Planning
I started planning the wedding with my mom and my sister, but there were a lot more details than we anticipated, so we hired Sarah Garrett! We made a great team and collaborated well.
The Cake
Our wedding cake was from Loft22, and it was as delicious as it was beautiful. But the real highlight was the groom’s cake and cake balls, which came from Berry Good Bakery. The groom’s cake was golf-themed (of course!) and so creative, but what made it extra special is that Berry Good Bakery is owned by one of my best friends. Getting to collaborate with her was so much fun, and she absolutely knocked it out of the park with the design and the flavor. The cake balls were a huge hit, and knowing they were made with so much love made them even sweeter.
The Food
We chose a menu that was all about sharing and savoring—passed hors d’oeuvres and bite-sized favorites, like crab cakes and meatballs. One standout that quickly became a guest favorite was the pimento cheese slider—people were literally chasing down the servers for another! The food felt like an extension of our celebration: fun, inviting, and made to be enjoyed alongside great company.
The Entertainment
Scotty and I went down to Austin to find the perfect band for our reception. To fit the garden party vibe, we wanted something fun. We fell in love with Big Night Jazz and Blues pretty quickly. We didn’t even have to give them a list of “no sing” songs because they had the best taste in music! We fully trusted them.
The Favorite Moment
Both Scotty and I agree that our favorite moment of the day was the first look. Scotty waited on my parents’ front porch as I walked up to see him for the very first time on our wedding day. Those few quiet minutes together, just the two of us before all the excitement of the ceremony, felt incredibly special. It was a beautiful, intimate pause that allowed us to soak in the moment before we celebrated with all of our family and friends.
The Unexpected
Bowie House after the wedding. All of our guests met at the Bowie House bar for Cosmos to continue the party! It was so fun being in my wedding dress in the “real world.”
The Honeymoon
We had the perfect Italian honeymoon!!! We started in Rome and then went to Il Pellicano and La Posta Vecchia. We rented a Vespa to explore Italy on our own, visited vineyards, ate the most delicious food, and of course relaxed by the pool. We can’t wait to go back!
The Advice
Our biggest piece of advice is to focus on what truly matters to you as a couple. It’s easy to get caught up in trends or what others expect, but your wedding should be a celebration that feels authentic and joyful to you both. And don’t forget to take the time to soak it all in. It truly is the best day of your life!!
The Vendors
HAIR AND MAKEUP Ashley McNabb Artistry
GUEST ACCOMMODATIONS The Crescent Hotel
INVITATIONS PS The Letter
PLANNING AND DESIGN Sarah Garrett Events
VENUE All Saints Church Crestline, Westover Hills Town Hall
FLORAL Coco Fleur Events
PHOTOGRAPHY Sarah Kate, Photographer
RENTALS Perch Decor, Party! Dallas, Grand Events, Nuage Designs, BBJ La Tavola
CAKE Loft22 Cakes, Berry Good Bakery
ENTERTAINMENT Big Night
BRIDAL SALON Bridal Salon at Neiman Marcus
CATERING AND DRINK SERVICE Westland Hospitality
JEWELRY Kelly Wade Jewelers, Bella Diamanti